Oh London, how we love you so. But even the greatest of lovers need some time apart, and if, like us, you call this crazy, chaotic city home – you’ll know what we’re talking about. For a breath of fresh air that won’t break the bank, try retreating to these beautiful spots on your next free weekend…
These weekend escapes are all within easy reach of the capital, so you don’t have to hire a car to get to them, although with Liverpool you are looking at a few hours train journey. Let’s dive in
Bournemouth
For British beach bums, it doesn’t get much better than Bournemouth. Magnificent cliffs meet breathtaking shores in Dorset’s largest coastal city. Head here for a weekend and enjoy the sandy beaches that stretch into the distance. Bournemouth is a popular destination, so our advice is to walk along towards nearby Boscombe, as the area around the pier, which is close to the town centre will often be crowded on a sunny day.
Don’t dig sandy feet? Ancient forests, wildlife nature reserves and ample countryside should keep you occupied in nearby New Forest. Go for a walk with the free roaming ponies, and enjoy the quiet ambience of this national park.
Perfect for: long, long walks, days sitting on sandy beaches and – weather permitting – an ocean dip.
Travel time: It’ll take you around 2.5 – 3 hours on the train to get to Bournemouth from London.
Brighton
Whenever we leave Brighton, it feels too soon. While certainly not as laid-back as the Dorset coast – Brighton’s club scene is legendary – this coastal city’s charm is just as captivating. We love Brighton for its creative, bohemian nature. Ok, so the beach is peddly, but that doesn’t stop the crowds arriving on a sunny day to bask in the sun, take in that special Brighton vibe.
Time your visit and you may well find yourself enjoying one of Brighton’s festivals. Each bringing their own vibe to an already pot-porri of entertainment. Embrace it for a weekend, longer if you can.
Perfect for: A spot of shopping, cafe hopping and an ice cream on the pier.
Travel time: You can get to Brighton from central London via train in just over an hour.
Cambridge
‘University town’ doesn’t seem quite right when describing the home of some of the most exquisite architecture, history and traditions in England, but we’ll press on. Put river punting and exploring colleges high on the list of things to cover in Cambridge, but don’t forget the leafy green meadows lurking just beyond the city – they’re begging for a country ramble.
As an alternative, you could do an identical weekend escape to Oxford, the ‘other’ university town within easy reach of the capital. Punting, check. exploring colleges, check. Traditions and architecture, without doubt. These rivals share a lot in common. Go on, check them both out and you’ll see. Weekend escapes that’ll match up perfectly.
Perfect for: finding creative inspiration – some of the world’s best writers, academics and scientists have strolled these streets.
Travel time: an hour and a half is the average travel time from London to Cambridge, though some peak trains are just an hour. Train tickets can be cheaper if booked in advance, and finding a room on Airbnb will keep things relatively cheap too.
Liverpool
They do things differently up north, and Liverpool is no exception. Beyond The Beatles tourist traps and a few questionable nightclubs (avoid Matthew Street at all costs), you’ll find a great creative scene in the Baltic Triangle, beautiful parks (Sefton’s our favourite) and a bunch of friendly locals determined to keep things interesting. The result is plenty of cool bars, restaurants and killer grassroots music venues.
For sporting fans you have Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC and Goodison Park for arch rivals Everton. Football runs through this city’s veins, and a weekend away taking in a game. Well, it doesn’t get any better than that, does it? As weekend escapes go, visiting Liverpool is one of the more unusual choices.
Perfect for: a city break on the cheaper side.
Travel time: it’ll take around two and a half hours on the train to get to Liverpool.
Amersham
This gingerbread-like market town gives Londoners a much-needed taste of the country and, at just under an hour on the train, its refreshingly close to the hustle and bustle, yet a world away, with the stunning Chiltern Hills to enjoy.
Have a stroll through rolling green hills, visit the charming independent shops of Old Amersham, and enjoy an exceptional roast at one of the local pubs. One place, the Kings Arms Hotel, is famous for it’s ghosts and being used as a film location. The 15th century inn is a delight just to look at. Call it your perfect country day out, sorted.
A top tip here; don’t get confused when you arrive and you’re not in the quaint town you first thought. The trains arrive into Amersham-on-the-hill station. You’ll need to walk down the hill to get to Old Amersham. It’s well-worth it, as you’ll get a proper taste of a quaint rural village.
Perfect for: a last minute countryside jaunt.
Travel time: 45 minutes on the Chiltern Line or Metropolitan Line
Weekend escapes to capture the heart and mind and raise the spirits of the soul. Make no mistake there are plenty other places we could have picked. There’s Salisbury, Canterbury and the South Downs. Areas packed with history and activities to keep you occupied, whatever the weather.
Take your pick and go, explore. Discover their treasures and do let us know what you thought. We always like to hear about your experiences.
